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How to Eliminate Stress With Theanine

6 November, 2017

Most people experience some degree of stress on a regular basis. Despite the prevalence of the condition, there are some simple steps you can take to help overcome it. In this article we will examine how to eliminate stress with theanine, an amino acid from green tea.

L-Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in green tea and there have been several studies investigating it ability to reduce stress levels in adults. The majority of these studies have been positive.

A study recently published in the journal, Nutrients, has provided further confirmation for the beneficial effects of theanine [1].

In this study, 34 healthy adults aged 18 to 40 years were randomly given either a theanine-based drink (containing 200mg of l-theanine) or a placebo. This was a randomised double-blind study, which means that neither the researchers or volunteers knew what was being ingested.

The researchers found that when participants consumed the theanine-based drink they experienced less stress while completing a multi-task activity compared to when they took the placebo. Levels of the stress hormone cortisol were also lower when people ingested the theanine drink.

In people with higher pre-treatment anxiety, theanine also increased the activity of alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are usually elevated when we are in a relaxed state, and/or during meditation practice. This is now the second study confirming the beneficial effects of theanine on alpha-brain wave production.

The researchers concluded that this study provides further support for the anti-stress effects of theanine. Research into the beneficial effects of l-theanine on stress are accumulating and results are certainly positive. In fact, it is one of the most investigated natural substances for the treatment of stress and anxiety in adults.

If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, or simply want to relax more, then theanine is certainly worth a try. High-quality theanine supplements usually contain 100mg of l-theanine. This is equivalent to the amount of theanine that would be ingested from 10 cups of green tea!